Section 39, 1 No. The Basic and Seniot Secotulary Edlzration Act 2023

(l) A member ofthe Non.Formal Educarion Colrncil $tois uable to perform his tnctions for whatever reason may be replaced (2) Where a person is eleaed as Chairman or appoirted as a member to fill a vacancy, he shall hold oflice ior the remainder of the term of the previous CbairDan or member, as the case may be. Tcnura of membcrs. Filling of i\rr The Basic aadSenior Secondary Edlcation Act, 20?3 (3) The quorum for a meeting of the Non-Formal Education Council shall be one-third ofthe members. (4) All matters put to the yote shall be decided by a sinple majority of all members present and wherc the votes are equal, the Chairman shall have a casting vote. (5) The Non-Formal Education Council shall regulate the procedure of its meetings. PARTVI - SCHOOL COVERNANCE A- (l) A govemment or govemment-assisled primary and Tio-ricr secondary System of school, including commudty educatioD slrstem of centres- sball have two.tier govemance; one to provide oversidht goveruatrce' functions aad the other to handle the day-to-day ruraing of the iDstitution. (2) The oversight lirnction shall be perforrned in conjunction with lhe local council, Dioict Education Office, School Management Committee, Centre Management Committee or Board ofcovernors, *'here applicable, and shall include - (a) monitoring and developing strategies to irnprove the perfomance ofthe school or the cente; and q. (l) The members of tlre Non-Formal Education Cormcil Mcetirs of shall meet ar least 3 times a year for the disparch of business "rd d I;f;*#dsuch other times as Education the Chairman may decide. coutrcit. (2) The Chairman shall preside at a meeting ofilrc Cotmcil and in his absence the members shall appoint one of their mernbers to act as Chairman. 4t. Members ofthe Non-Formal Education Council mav be R€.nursrrrioo given sitting allowanc€s as the Minister may determine. ' of meobcrs. (b) resource mobilisation for the benefit of the school or centre. 40 No. The Basit dnd Seniot Secondary Eduatio.l Act 2023 ComrRunity Teochers A5sociation. (3) A head teacher, in the case of a primary school, or centre coordinator, in the cas€ of a commrmity education centre or principal, in &e case ofa secondary school shall have the primary responsibility for tbe day-today adninistralion ofbis school or cenEe, suppo'ted by colleague teachers,facilitators and other staff. ,13. (l) A government or government-assisted school shall have a Co munity TeachersAssociation which shau promote glealer involvement ofcommunity members in the afhirs ofthe school. (2) A Community Teachers Association shall determine its own leadership srucfirc atrd method ofoperatioD, but shall always wort in the besl intcrest ofthe puPils fiid the school. (2) Tbe composition ofa School Management Conmittee under subsection (1), shall be gender balanced and comprise tbe following rnembersschool 44. (1) A local comcil shall have a School Management Ita-*nl.."rr Committee in respect of government or govemment-assisted basic com'Dit"e' education schools aodshall be responsible to assist in the administration ofthat school ir accordance with Regulations made rmd€r this Act and the Local Govemment Act, 2004 (Act No' 1 of 2004), including- (a) overseeing the running of the schools; (b) assisting in tle drawing up ofdevelopment plans for the schools; (c) helping to raise funds for the general development of the schools; and (d) performing other functions as may be directed by the local council or the Disrict Education Office. Nc The Basic and Senior Secondary Educatiotr Act, 2023 4l (a) 3 proprieto/s noninees, oue of wllom shall be Chairman: (b) the head teacher; a representative of the School Quelity Assurance, Monitoring and Resource DiYision of the Ministry; (d) a representative of the local council; (e) the Chainnan of the Community Teachers Assoc iation; (f a raditional rul€r or elder of the village or area concemed; G) an educaror in the community. (3) The head teacher shall serve as secretaly to the Scbool Matragement Committee and shall have no voting righl (4) The School Management Conmittee shall meet once every term or at such other times as may be specified by the local cormcil, (5) One-thtd of the members shall constitute a quorum for all meetings. (Q The School Management Commiftee may appoint such sub-committees as it may consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out ils responsibilities under thi! Act. a5. 0) A School Mamgementcommittee membershall sewe 1"r.. *6 a term of3 years and shall be eligible to serve a firfther tenD of3 years filliry of only. . vacancics (2) A mernber unable to perfom his frmctions for *{ratever reason may be r€placed. Ilo. The Basic ond Seniq Seconddry/ Flucalion Act 2023 C€ntrc Mmagcment committe!, (3) Where a penonis appointed as Chainnm or a member to fill a vacatrcy, he shall hold office for the remainder ofthe term of tbe previous Chatman or member and shall be eligible for reapPoinfirenL 46. 0) A District Council shall have an Education Cente Matragemont Cotrurliree which shall sr+erintend the administration of the Education Cenue including - (a) overseeing Ore numing ofthe cenue; (b) assisting in the drawing up of development plaos for th€ c€nfre; (c) helping to raise funds for the g€neral develoPment ofthe centre; dld (d) performing other functions as may be directed by the local council or the District Education Office' (2) An Education Centre Man€ement Commiuee under subsectior ( I ) sball be gender balanced and comprise the followirg members- (a) the Education Centse coordinator or manageE (b) a representative ofthe Disrict Council; (c) a representative ofthe major firnding agency of the Education Centre: () (e) (D G) (h) a traditional ruler or elder of the village or area coocerned; a rqresenative of the ward committee. an educator in the community; 2 parents or guardians; and a teacher. I'{o. Tha Basic dndseaior Secondary Educdtion Act, 2OZ3 (3) The Education Centre Management Committee membes shall appoint one oftheir members as Chairman. (4) The coordinator or manager ofthe Education Centre shall serve as secretarlr to tbe commifee and shall have no voting righ. (, The Education Cenue Management Commicee shall me€t otrce every tenn or at such other times as may be specified by &e Disu-ict Council- (6) One-tbird ofthe members shall constitute a quorunr- 47. ( I ) A Education CeuEe Managetnent Commitee member Tcnurc and shall serve a tenn of3 years and shall be eligible to serve a fifiher filting of term of3 years only. vacancies @) A manber unable to perform his ftmctions for whatever reason may be replaced. (3) Wbere a person is appointed as Chainnan or a member to fill a vacancy, he shall hold office for the remainder ofthe term of dre previous Chairman or member and shall be eligible for reappointm€ut. a8. (l) The Minister shall establish a Board of Govemors in Board of resPect a school, other than a pre-primary. primary or private school Govcmors @ Only one Board shall be estabtished per school, inespective of whether the school has bolh juior and senior seconda4r divisions and multiple shifu. (3) A Board ofcovemors established under subsection ( I ) shall be a bod)'corporate with perpsural sueession and a common seal. 4 I\a The Basic aadSenior SecondaD, Htlcation Act 2023 Mcmbership of Board of Govcmors- 49. (l) A Board ofGovemon shall consist of 13to l5 members of the including the Chairman, appointed by the Minister after consultatioa with the proprietor, and the following other members (a) 4 persons appointed by the proprietor ofthe schooli (b) 4 persons nominated by the Minister; (c) The Chief Education Officer or his r€preseatative in the disricq (d) The Education Seqetary or his reprcsentative in the district; (e) the District Deputy Director, Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission; (D a local comcil rcpresentative Aom the distict or city council); G) a Chiefdom authority, wbere applicable; (h) a representative ofthe old pupils' association ofthe school, where applicable; (i) the Chairman, of the Corununity Teachers Association. (2) The composition ofthe Board members must be geDder balanced 50. ( l) The Board ofGovernors shall be responsible to - (a) oversee the development and implemefiation ofthe School ImprovemeDt Plar; Functiotrs of rb. Borrd- No The Basic and Seaior Secondary Education Act, 2023 4i (b) help to raise funds for ,he general development of the school; (c) seek the welfare ofpupils and staff; (d) fix charges, where appropriate, with the approval of the Minister; (e) review and approve the school budget prepared by the scbool adninist-ation; (D recommerd to Sierra I-€one Teaching Service Commission suitable candidates for the positions of principal, vice principal and senior teachers; G) mediate or arbisate in mas€rs bmuglrt before it by aggrieved pupils, parents or t€achers; (h) perform such other firnctions as may be diected by the Minister. (2) The Minister may, where he considers it expedient, authorise the establishment of oue Board to service a chrster of schools. 53. (l) A mernber ofthe Board ofGovemors who is unable Fitlinc of m perform his fimctions for whatever reason may be replaced. vtcancies 51. At least 50 percenl ofthe rnembers ofthe Board ofGovemon Qua,ificaions shall have completed senior secondary school or is equivalent and l:*fj have some management experience. 52. A member oftlre Board ofGovemors shall serve for a t€nn Tcnure of of31'ears and shalt be eligible for reappoinrment for a firlber term of ^Boera o1 3 years only, but may sene ou tlte ioard of Govemors of otb€r Governors' scbools at the ex?iration ofhis te lre. 4 Nc Tlc Bosic atdknior gcondary Hxcatia4 Act 2023 M.€rings of Botrd- Commiltecs of Board- School ,&ninisrin @) Where a pcrson is elected as Chairman or appointed as a member to fill a vacanry, he shall hold office for the remainder ofthe term ofthe previous Chairman or member, as the case may be. 5a. (l) Tbe Board of Govemors shall me€t at least otrce a term or at the such other times as nay be directed by the Minister. (2) One-third of the members, including the Deputy Director of Education in the district or his representative, shall constifirte a quonmr for all meetings. (3) The principal ofthe school shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall have no voting righl. 55. The Board ofcovemors may appoint such subcommittees as it of the may consider necessary for the purpose of carrying out its responsibilities under this Act including - (a) Standing Commitee; (b) Finance and Development Committee; @) VsirationComninee. 56. (l) A primary school itr which more than one teacher is einployed sball have a head teacher and a secondary school shall have a principal- (2) A head teacher or principal sball be the a&ninistrative and professional head of the school and shall be fully accountable to his employers- (3) A hcad t€acher sball be assi$ed by a deputy head teacher and senior teachem and a principal shall be assisted by a vice principal and heads ofdepartnents or senior teachers. No. fhe Bqsic dnd Senior Secondary Flrcatior, Act, 2023 @ Il the case of a private school a head teacher or principal shall be appointed by the propriasl 61 nen'ger tom among persons who have the requisite proven academic and pmfessional qualifi cations for the job. (3) The rotation or upward mobility of a head teacher, principal or teachers ia govemment and govemment-assisted schools shall be in accordance with the Sierra Leone Teaching Service CommissionAct. (2) Transfers, promotions, professional developmetrt, suspensions and dismissal of teachers shall be in accordance with the Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission Regulatidts. 59. (1) A government, government-assisted school or gant contmunity education centre shall hay€ one bank accout into which accounls. shall be paid- 57. (1) The appointment of a head teacher, depury head Appohtucoa, leacher, principal, vice principal and senior teachers shali b" in Ptu d conformity witb the sie.m l-eone rea"ninc a;;a;;d;i- pro'orioff- 58. (l) A person shall not be employed as a perman€trt frrll- ccrriticrh time teachs in a school unless that person holds a Drofessional and licence cenilicate and licence issued by the Sierra Leone Teaciing Servi"e fot t""ho Commission- (a) o) (c) donations and other gifu Aom a persotr or authorit-v; (d) proceeds of income-generating school activity; and school subsidiesl grants- in-aidl (e) other receivables 48 The Basic and Senior S.conddry Edwation Acl 2023 No (2) e'Uot accornt rmder subsection (l)' shall have 3 signatories *ho shall be, in the case of- (a) aPrimary school - O the Chairman' CommunftY Teachers Association; (d the head teacher' and GD 'he Chairma& School MaDagement C{mtitEe' O) a secondary school' - O the Chaima& Board ofGovernors; @ the PrinciPa[ and (rif the Chairman' Fbance and ^D"""]'f"ment Commitlee of tbe Board ot Governors; md (c) a commlmity edration centre' - O the Chairman' Centre Management Commisee; @ the coordinaor or manager' Community Edrcatioa Centre; (ii) a nominee ofthe ftnding partner' No. The Basic aad Senior *cohdary Ed*otion Act, 2023 6 PARIVII.ESTABLISHINC ANDOPERATING PRIVATE scHoots 60. 0) A person shall not establish or operate a Private Esrabliebmcnt, school unliss he satisfies the requtements and policy guidelines on oF.mtiotr ttrd school approvals established by the Ministry for operation and delivery education service delivery. g'riddis (2) An individual or a group ofpersons or an instiEtion may establish, manage and operate a pre-primary, primary or secondary school if they meet rhe criteria laid down b the Policy Guidelines atrd related policies established by the Ministry for operation and education service delivery. (3) A private educational institution shall be incorPomted as a legal entity with well-structued administrative, fi.duciary and operational bodies. (4) Aa individusl or a group ofpersons or an institution operating a school in Sierra l,eone. regardless of the ownersbip, shall ensure that the school is safe and have a management and worlforce able to enswe the safety ofthe cbildren under their care. (5) An existing school that has not 4Plied for approval shall be required to do so within 6 moutfu after the coming into operation of this Act 6i. A proprietor and rnanager of a scbool for which approval cri&rie for to establish is soughl slull be a fit and proper person to be in ;hfige :X*i";f "'ofa sclnol aod shall - (a) be of good repute, as asest€d by 2 referees with impeccable records, for each applicant, with no criminal or trx evasion records. no record of continuing major mental health problems, no tecord of bankruptcy or insolvency in the preceding five (5) years; school 50 NG The Borric ond Senior Secondary Edtrcation Ac' 2023 (d) make an affirmation that the establishment of the proposed school would be in fte pubtic interest and that the site selected for the school is conducive for teaching and leaming' (b) show proof of access to sufficient fimds to establish and nm an institution; and (c) especialty, in the case ofthe manager' show evidence ofwork experience in education; (e) show proof that at least 50 percent of the teacbing staffhas the requisite qualifications in rheir subject arcas; (0 show evidence of sufficient financial resources to - @ embark on and comPlete the school construction, as u'ell as keep the school operational for a period ofat lea.$ 3 yeas without financial suPport from the Ministry, determined bY the bank statements ol the proprietors which should show an a.mount grealer than the estimated cost of conskucting the school; (i, indicate that the proposed school buildings will be constructed strictl-v in accordance with the school construcdon rules and staodards ofthe Ministry; (g) establish that the school premises rvill have - No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Ulcatioi -11ct, 2023 51 6z (l) The Ministry, in consul[ation with the local council' lfc'"ding may rescind or suspend an approval if it is proved that the school i,*"a1nt has differed in tays for which approval was initialty granted. approval. (2) Ifa school, to which approrzl has been grante4 does not operate fully within 2 years after approval the aPProval will lapse. 63. (l) A person shall not coDshuct a school without urautboriscd authorisation or oierate a school x'hich has not been regisrered *ie "f:::*",:' tbe Minisu-w or with rbe local council of llle area O adequate and proPer hygienic facilities, inclusive of separate toilets for female teachers and girls; (ii) reading room facility or access to a variety of reading materials, video and audio material to augment leaming; and (iiD adequare recreational spac.e for the childrcn. (2) A pcrson who contravenes subsertion (l) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction !o a fine not exceoding L€50O0 and to a firther fire not exceeding k500 forevery day duing which the school is operatcd. (2) Where the new proprie*or is not a fit and ProPer Person or institution to manage a school ard does not satisfu the requiements oullined in section 61 for managing a school, the earlier approval for operarirg fiat schoot shall be withdrawn and the manager or proprietor shall cease to operate the school immediately. 64. (l) Where there is a change of ownership of a changc of govemment- assisted or pdvate school, rhe proprietor shall, wfttin 3 osrcrship' months, inform dre Midstry in writing of the change. 52 Na The Basic and Sentol Secondary Education Act 2073 Closurc of privalc school. Petitions and appcsls. (3) A manager or proprietor who conlravenes subsection (2), commits an offence and is liable on convictioD to a fine ofl-e I 0,000 or to imprisonmeEt for a term not less than 6 months or to both such file and imprisonment 65. (l) The Minster shbll, on the advic€ ofthe local council, in thecase of a basic education iDstitutio4 order the closure of a privae school if- (a) &e school is not managed in the bes interests of the pupils attending the schml; and (b) the continuing existence ofthe school is not in the public interest. (2) Where a school is closed permanently, an-angements shall be made for the pupils to be admitted into orher schools with ar"ailable space. 6- (l) A parent or guardiar! who suspects discrimination that may affect the wellbeing oftheir child or ward, may appeal to the local cormcil in the case of a basic education school ot to drc Minister in the case of a senior secondary school for redress. (2) Wbere an appeal is made under subsection (l), the education committee of the local council or the Chief Education Officer shall dlect the manager or the proprietor, in writing, to make amends within a given p€riod and ifthe manager or proprietor fails to make the amends within the stipulated period, the local council or the ChiefE<fucation Officer may, as decase rnalr be, order tle closure of the school. (3) A ma$ager or proprietor aggribved by a decision of the local council or the Chief Education Offrcer under subsection (2) may appeal to the Minister and the Minister's decision on the maner shall be final. No. The Basic ondSenior Secoadary Educalion Act, 2023 53 67. (1) A proprietor or manager shall be d€emed to h""" crit"rin fo, futfilled the School Approval Criteria specified rurder section 6l in recciving order to qualif) to receive govemment t'rnancial assistance, in the tote'nme"t case ofa lovenrment-assist;d schooi, if- *m (a) he is able to meet a minimun of20 Percent of the running cost of the school evidence of which shall be in terms ofannual income or assets; (b) there is existence ofa properly comtituted and f,mctioning ove,rsight body; (c) there is avaiiability ofan Iniem€t Technolory room o; access to InterDet Technologyresources and equipment that would augmeot teaching md learning: {d} tbere are adequate numtrer of teachers for the subjects offered with a targeted oPtimrnn pupi l-to-qualified-teacher ratio of20 for preprimary'. 40 for primary andjunior secondary iinC 35 tbr senior seconda4r school; (i) there is evidence of a functional administration including a School Managem€trt Committee, or Board of Covernors and Community Teachers Association that can properly manage the school and ftrnds provided by the Ministry. PART VIII . DECEN'TRALiSATON OF BASIC EDUCAIION 68- The Minister shail institute measures for the effective s&sic dec€ntralisatiorl cf rhe management of basic education to the local :Ecdion councils. in accordan.. uritt tU. prorlrions ofttt" f,o.ut C"u.-tn*t ::jff:|, Act 2004. v No Tle Basic and Senior Secondary Edt/cation Act 2023 Lcal Couacil Educ.tiotr CoBmittee. 69. (l) A local muncil shall establish an education committee. (2) A local council educrtion commitsee established under subs€ction (l) shall have no fewer lhan I0 and not more than 15 members and at least halfoftlre commiuee members shall be members ofthe local coulcil. (3) TheDepury Director ofEducation, Ministry ofBasic and Sinior Secondary Education and the District Deputy Director, Sierra t eone Teaching Service Commission shall be members ofthe local council education committee. (4) A penon r}'ho is not a member ofa local council may be appointed a member ofthe local cormcil education committee ifhe posscsses loowledge and experience in education and is acquainted with the educational conditions prevailing in the area for which the committee is established. (5) A local council, acting uith or tfuough its education committee, shall be responsible for advising the Minister generally on any educational matter referred to it. (O A local council shall consider a report from its education committee before exercising any of its fimctions with respect to ducation in its area- (a) establisb- organise, develop and control educalion at pre-primary, primary, andjunior secondary schools, or pommrmity educalion centres within its area ofauthoritl; (b) allocate subventions to pre-primary- primaq, and junior secondary schools tom funds placed at its disposal or from its own resourcesi Duties of 70. (l) A local council, acting with or tbrough its educadon local couocils' commitee, shalll_(,r, The Basic and Senior Secondary E{lucation Act. 2V23 55 (c) maage school feeding progmmmes in its area of au&ority; (d) manage the use of the schools transport system for the benefit oflhe chil&enl (e) ensure that teaching atrd learning materials distribded to the local council aEjudiciously utillsed by the intended beneficiaries: (f) with cooperatior tom tte Ministryand Sicrra I-eone Teaching Sewice Cornmission, ensure that effective teaching and learning takes place in its area ofauthority; (g) register and approve educarion providers working in its area; O) adyise the Minister generally upon any educatiotral matter referred to h. PART D( - T}IE SCHOOL ENYIRONMENT 71. (l) A leamiag environment sha.llbe conducive; pbysically childand psychologically safe. free from all forms ofviolence and abuse friendly schools. and facililates learning. (2) A government, govemment-assisted or private school shall - (a) be child-friendlv. inclusive and actively pronmte gerder-semilivity, tolerarce, digfty and personal empowerment; (b) provide basic disabled-friendly and genderfriendly health and sanitation facilities; (c) provide spacious and well-ventilated class rooms; 56 No. The Basir ond Seiior Secofidaty Edscation Act 202-1 (d) actiyely discoEage discrimindiotr in all forms and entploy measures to eradicate it' (3) A member ofthe staffofa xhool or person engaged to teach oi t ppott t*"ntg at a school, shall not bully; harass' *iAii "t*", pnysicalty abuse, sexually abuse or exploit children in his care. (4) Cyber bulling by a teacher or school autority against a pupil is prohibited. (, PuPils and teachers shall dress appropriately' according to the regulations ofthe school' 72. (l) Corporal Pmishm€nt and all other forms ofdegrading Dunishment designed to cause, or create fear of physical pain in a i +i[a.i"io"fu or $r€atened for the prnposes of dominuion or oo rcl are Prohibited (2) A member ofsafofa schooL or a person engaged to t rcU or .uppo.t t"a"hing * a school, shall not administer corporal punishment to a Pupil of that school' (3) APersoru including a relative ofa pupil' shall not - (a) adminiser corporal punishment to a pupil on school gtounds; or O) thrcatetr a Pupil wilh corPorat punishment on the school gounds' (4) Ahernative forms of discipline including positive methods may be emptoyed for child development' n. (l) Bullying, harassmenl verbat abuse, phlsical atrse' sexual atruse'and exploitation ofa pupil by another pupil is proh&ited' Corpo18l puuishocnt- Pupil-onpupil tiolcncc, etc. prohibitcd. No The Basic ond Senior Secondan/ E.lucation Act, 2023 , (2) Cyber bullying against peers or other pupils is prohibited 7a. (l) Itrdiscipline in schools constitutes a violation ofthe hdiscipliDc rules and regulations ofthe schoot. :l&*u * (2) Statr indiscipline shall be addressed iB accordance with Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission Act and the Code of Condua for Teachers and otber Educational Personnel in Sierra Leone. (3) A school shall proyide, as part of its School Irnprovement Plan, details on how it intends to ad&ess cases of pupil or staffiDdiscipline during the school year. (4) Cases ofpupil or staffindiscipline shall be thoroughly and fairly investigated before action is taken. 75. (l) The head of the school may! after a fuir hearing by a suspersios competent bo4v, suspend a pupil orteacher from attendingthe school alld for i period not less than a week. - expulsioDs' (2) l,eaming rnaterials shall be made available to the pupil rvho is suspended &om school under subsection (1). (3) The head teacher shall report the suspension of a pupil or teachet in uriting, to the Chairman ofthe School Management Committee, or in the case ofa secondary school. the principal shall report the matter, iD *riting, to the Standing Committee ofthe Board ofGovemors. (4) A suspended pupil or a suspended staffmember shall be informed in writing of the reasons for his suspension. (5) A pupil shall not be expelled from a school unless, on the finding of the School Management Committee or the Board of Govemors' Standing Comminee, as the case may be, the pupil is cutpable of serious breaches of discipline. No. The Basic and Seniot Secondary Edtteation Act 2023 Right of app€al. Aberrant children- Sick children. (Q Ajr expelled pupil shall be informed in wdting of the reasons for his expulsion and coPies ofthe letter ofexpulsion shall be sent to the local council education committee and to the Deputy Director ofthe Ministry in the district. @ Where apupil is eryelled fivm a school, an apPmPriate altemative school shall be identified for the pupil to coDtinue his education. (8) Ateacheraccuscd ofgrave indiscipline orprofessional misconduct shall have bis case referred to the Sierra Leone Teaching Ssrvice CoDmission for necessary action. 76. (1) A suspended or exP€l1ed PuPil has rhe right ofappeal to the local muncil or ihe ChiefEducation Officer. as the case may be, w hin a week of receiving the letter ofsuspension or epulsioD' (2) The local council or Cbief Education Officer may auihorise a competent body to re-investigate the matter and report accordingly and commmicate their findings to the relevant authority' (3) A suspended or expelled pupil, his parents and the school authorities shall be informed ofthe final decision ofthe local council or the Chief Education Officrr, as the case nray be' 7. Children with behavioural problems as detennined by the school authorities may be handed over to the appropriate agenc.v for care and guidance. 78. (l) The Ministry responsible for health and sanitation in concsrt with other qualified health providers may authorise regular school medical impections to promote lte wellbeing ofthe children' (2) The Miniser shall make rules allowing children who arc sufferiDg Aom an infection or contagious disease which is likelli in the opinion of a Medical Officer, to be detrimental to the health of other pupils, to be excluded from tte school for a specified period' No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Educario^ Act, 2023 I (3) Fint aid kits and a person tained in first aid shall b€ available for a scbool or r cluster ofschoots. (4) A child who is sick or injued at school shall, with the consent ofhis parents or guardiar! be prorided with medical services. 79. The Ministry shall, in collaboration with the Minisry school responsible for housing and infrastructure, the local council irftctructutc. proprietors md panners, ensure that goverffnent and governm€ntassisted schools have the requhed inFastructure for effective teaching, leaning and recreaiion. PARTX- QUALITYCONTROL 80. (l) The Ministry shall ensure that there is regular Qudity collaboration among its vadous directorates and parulers including asumn"' local authorities for effective monitoring ofservice deliv€ry in order to guarante€ quality assuance and that th€ Ministr/s operations, guidelines, standards and goals are forward-looking realistic and achievable. (2) The Ministry shall take stringent measures to curb examination malpractices and other forms ofmrlfeasance that ae likely to erode con{idence in the school system. 81. (1) School Quality Assurance, Monitoring and Resouc€ Monirorisg officers andshall - arld supcrvisioo. (a) make periodic visits to schools, observe and take note of what is happening and offer profess ional advice; (b) ensure that the teaching and learning resources provided are being properly used; (c) in collaboration wilh tbe school heads, insist that teachers develop their scheme of work and lesson plans and obtain the proper teaching aidst @ No Tfu Basic andsenior Secondar! Hucotion Act 2023 Assessmenls (@ submit inspection data and information to Sierra Leone Teaching Service Corunission for regular in-service training programmes for teachers; (e) work with local autborities and other monitoring bodies established by the Minister; (f) receive reports on the quality and quantity of the teaching and leaming materials in the schools and make reconrmendations to the Chief Education Ofiicer, m appropriate. (2) Local mrmcfu, School Managex and Proprietors sball regulady visit their schools to make sure that effective teaching and leaming takes place and institute corrective measures as appropriate. 82. (1) Regular, saess-free evaluatioDs shall be conduaed tr order to provide informatioo on rvhether individual pupils and the system are making progress towards achieving leaming goals. (2) School authorities shall ensure that eYaluations ale prpil-Eiendly and do noi impose urmecessary anxiety on the learners. (3) The Ministr,' shall develop a template for the intemal assessment of pupils at various stages h all goverDment and government-assisted schools nalionwide. (4) Continuous assessment of primary level pupils shall be carried out in primary schools along the lines given ro s€hools by the Ministry in a continuous assessment haDdbooli, and contiluous assessment scores shall be employed in the manner stipulated in that handbook. (5) Teac.hers shall be exposed to iurovative ways of ass€ssment, including the testing ofthe critical and crearive thinking skills ofpupils. NG lhe Basic antl senior S?coidary Educdtion Act, 2023 6) (6) Pupils, paflicularly those at the senior secoDdary level. may be given atr opporfimitv to periodically evaluate their teachers through standardised procedures. (7) Sierra IJone Teaching Service Commission shall conduct regular appraisal of teachers and school authorities. (8) The Minister may, in consultation with the Iocat councils, determine and publish minimum national standards for basic and senior secondary schools, and reserve the dght to order a school tlat does not adhere to such standards to cease opemtions. 83. (l) Tbe Minist-v shall provide a aational curriculum for cuniculum use in all government md govemment-assisted schools tbroughout dev.lopEctt - ssd ,cvicw. )letTa Laone. (2) Private schools ma! also use the national curriculum. (3) The Minisn-y shall - (a) ensure that the national curriculum is available in gover nent and govemmentassisted schools together *'ith the requisite teaching and leaming materials, including texlbooks and reade6; (b) authorise the periodic review ofthe national curriculum; (c) in collaboration with Sierra Leone Teaching Sen'ice Commission and teacher education entities, organise rainhg workshops for teachers and other education providers on the proper use ofthe syllabuses and related teaching resources; a. No. The Basic aad Senior Secondary Hucation Act 2023 English is Medium of instruction. School librari.s (d) on the advice of relevant Partners and stakeholdeE, iltxoduce rew subjects into rhe education system. PART)C - MODE OF I}ISTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS Ea. (l) English is the mode ofinstruction in all government and govemmeDt-ilssisted schools. (2) In the early years ofschooling (3-8 years), the use of a local or commrmity language as medium of instruction shall be allowed. (3) The Minisay is comrnited to the t€aching of global languages which will be encouraged. (4) Innovation and technolory application in teaching and learning, including hands-on leaming and project-based instmction shall be encouraged and actively pursued. PARTXII . SCHOOL LIBRARIES 85. (l) A school shall endeavour to establish and maintain a well- equipped library for the use ofthe pupils and teachers. (2) Where a separate room for a library is not available, library books can be made available in classrooms and other appropriate locations in the school. (3) Where possible, school librarias may be opoted beyond normal school hours. (4) The Siera Leone Library Board slrall, through its regioml and district otrrcers, and with lhe cooperation of local councils and other par[Ers, assist iu sourcing relevant reading materials and other educatiolal resourcesfor pupils and teachers. :t-o. T'Ip Basie and Sen{or Seco dary Education Act, 2023 63 (5) Efforts shall b€ made to create digital libraries and provide iBtemet a.trd computer facilities in schools. PARTXII - FRAUDAND CORRUPTION 86. (1) The Ministry shall not entertain fraud or corrupt Fraud ed practica in anyeducationat ilstitution, corruption (2) Fraud and other corrupt practices in an educational institution are prohibited- - (3) The Ministry shall, in collaboration with Anti- Corruption Corurissioa, West A&ican Examinations Cormcil, the police and civil society orgadsations, prevent or Drosecute co upt practic€s ir educational institutions including -. (a) misappropriation of school flrnds; O) floutitrg procuemelt rules and guidelines with intent to defraud; (c) nepotisn iD hiring, bnibery and weak financial coatrolsl (d) (e) o money, goods and services ibr gpades; examiration malpracrices; inflating school enrolmenl figures and candidate numbers. S/. (l) .A school shall keep an accurate and up-to{ate register ofpupils enrolled in the school including a record ofthe name ofthe pupil, the eDrolment data. personwho has primar-v care ofthe pupil and the address of the pupil. l\tainlainiDg accurat9 school. \ 61 No, The Basic andsehior Secondarv Education Act 2023 @) A register under subsection (1), shall be supplied to the Ministr-v at the begiming of the school year, or when entry into the first year ofa level, (Primary; Jrmior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School) is completed. (3) A sc.hool shall inform the Minister of a pupil whose name is on the register but does not attend school for more than 4 weeks within a 3 monrh period and ol any new entrants to the schocl. (4) A proprietor School Manager, head teacher, principal or slaff member ofa school, knowing thal a pupil is not enrolled, shall not aCd tie name of such person to the register. (5) Aproprietor, School Manager, headteacher, principal or staffwho contravenes subsection (4) commits an ofence and is Iiable on convictioo, to a fine of not less than Le 1000 for ench Dame so falsely recorded as enrolled. (O A proprietor, School Manager, head teacher or principal who causes a slzffmember to add the Dame ola pupil not erolled in the school to the register in violation of subsection (4) commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to a fine of not less ttran Ir3000 for each name so falselr' recorded as enrolled. (7) A parent or guardian is obliged to immediately inform school heads tllat he \ ishes to hansfer or witbdraw his child from the school and obtain a transler certificate ftom dre school that his child Y/as altendirg. (8) The head of a school shall, on receiving a aansfer case, insistthat the pupil presens a traisfer certificaE before admitting the transferedchild. (9) A proprietor, school u an4er, hearJ teacher or principal ofa school who does not inform t}}e Minisrer that a pupil is no longer enrolled in the school within 45 dal,S of that pryil ceasing to be enrolled, slnll be fined not less than Le5000. No. Tle Br.sic atd Senior Secondary Ed&ation Act, 2923 6i 88. (l) The Minisqv is fully conrmitted to gender equ$ and ccnoer gender mainstreaming shall be integrated inlo the Policies, cquitv' proganmes and activities of the Ministry in schools and other educatiotr c€ntes. (2) Affirrnative aclion may be taken 1() accelerare, through appropriate training programmes, the upward mobility ofwomen for senior management levcls in the Minisu:.v. 89. Staff in the luinistry with sPecial needs or physical st trwiln disability consaaints shall be supported and assured oftheir safety. special n'cds' 2a.o lolcrancc to barsssr!ert, PARTXV-EMERGENCIESANDINFECTIOUS DISEASE .tc. OUTBREAKS 91. (l) The Minister shail, on the advice ofrelevant bodies' tvlcasures authorise tie tempora+' ciosure of schools natioowide or in areas to bc takcn' adversely affected b)' polxicai disturbarces, infectious diseases, or similar disasters. PARI)<IV. EQUALITYOF OPPORTLTNITY IN TIIE I''ORKPI.ACE 90. Bullying harassment, verbal, emotional or physical abuse, sexual abuse or exptoitation in the Ministry is prohibircd. (2) In the case of epidemics and pandemics, mass vaccination of pupils and other preventive measures may be instinrted by the goverixnent in schools- (3) On the advice ofa Medical Officet, ctrtain sick chil&en may be isolated. (4) The Mrnistr]' shall ensure tlnt pupils conainue to acc€ss education during infeclirrus diseas€ outbreaks and other emergencies thrcugh distance and rentedial leaming via the radio, television and other accessible modern technologies. No. The Br.|'ie ond Senior Secot.dd!| Edxca'ion Au-t 2023 (2) A Task Force under subsection (l) shall be charged wirh the following activities - (a) emergency prevention and response; O) coordination and moniloring; (c) school safet)', ald (O eDvironmental safety- PARTXVI. EDUCATION MANAGEMENT INFORMAIION SYSTEM g1. (l) The regular collection of accurale data and analysis across all levels in the education sector increases the Ministry's ability to malie informed decisions and appropriate responses'/ actiom on long term planningbudgeting and to respond appropriately to crisis situations. (2) The Education Managene lnlbrmation System of the Minist'y shall track key Perfonnance indicalors including teacher and pupil aftendenee, the status of facilities in the schools, the fimciionaliry ofthe school clubs, pareat-teacher committees' school f€eding effohnent, etc. Responsibility 2. A parent or Ssardian shall ensure that his.-child or ward of jarenr oi makes reasonable use ofthe teaching and learn rg facilities proYided guatdis, by the Ministr-l'during infectious disease outbreaks and other emergencies. Emergcncy Educdion Task Force. 93. (l) The Ministy, together with other ministries, departments, agencies and Partners. shall enhance its emergency prevention, preparedness, and response strategies !y cr-eattng -a p"***t sttucfire to be known as Emergency Education Task force, with focal persons in each district. Data coliectrotr arld snallsis No The Basic dndsenior Seco ddry Educdrion Act, 2t23 67 95. (l) A pupil shall have a National Identification Number N€tiDn'J provided by the Nadonal Civil Registration Authority and a Uoique l*t*::d"' L€arner . Identification issued by the Ministry which shall be used to track pupils and provide other reliable information on them. (3) The Ministry's data hub shall serve as a tool to support decision-making through an evidence-based and datadriven process for researc[ informed polic1,, planning and eraluation of interventions across schools. (4) A pri!'ate, non-governmertal or charitable educalional institBion shall be mandated to submit reliable and regular data, including tbeArmual School Census, on all their educational facilities and resources to the l\4inistry x,hen requested to do so and failure to do so may lead Io withdrawal oflicence to operale the school. (2) A pupil s data may be shared only in accordance with other laws guiding on personal daJa and information sharing. PART XVII. EDT]CATION YOUTHADVISORY GROTJP 96. (l) The ]vlinisrer shall establish an Education Youth Formation Advisory Group conrpose,l of pupils and other young Fopt" to *r"",ion advise him on matters p!'rtinent to their welfare and interests. youth Advisory (2) The comp.rsition and oser flmctions oftlrc Edncation Gtoup' Youth Advisory Group may be determined by the Minister. (3) The Education !-outh Advisory Group shall bave representation fiom <very districq be gender balanced, and include children r*'ilh special nceds 6S No. The Braic and Senior Secon ldta Eduldtion Act 7023 Pannerships. PARIXVIII - PARTNERSHIPS 9?. (1) Parmerships are essential for achievilg the goals and objectives of the Ministry and the Ministry shall continue to strenghen its relations withparents and caregivers, proPrietors of schJs, civil society organisations, the Private sector, Ministies, Departments and Agencies, national and iDterDational oongo;emmental organisations, external donors, semi-autonomous f,odies ofthc Minist-y, protective service delivery agencies and old pupils' associations. (2) The coorttination desk at the Ministry, whose mandate is to forge healthy relationships with and oversee the work of educ€tion partners, shall be fJly capacitated to effectively carry out its f,mctions. llc The Basic and Senior Seconddry Fdtcation Act, ZO?5 d) FIRST SCHEDLILE and of l. Goals oftie €ducation system The overall goals ofrhe Sierra Leone education qrstcm ar€ b contibute to ite obtaining ofcitizeus who can fulfil their individual potetrtials though acquisition of relevant and appropriate skills; @) citizens who can contribute meaningflrlly to building a cohesive, healthy, and saong nation with a sastainable aDd dynamic economy; (c) a Fee, just and peace-lovi.og society; (d) a democratic and harmonious natioq and (e) a moral and disciplined people. 2. Ministry ofBasicand Senior Secondary Education Missiotr $atement To provide opportunities for children, adolescents, and adults to acquire knowledge and skiuE as well as nurture good attitudes and values for individual economic growth. 3.\fision $at€ment All leamers in Sierra Leone will have equal opporhmit_v to access quality basic, technical, vocational and higher education that enables them to participate in public life, contribute to rhe national and global economy, and fuI.fiI their potential. (a) No. The Basic and Senior Secondary Mucation Act 2073 4. Key objectives of the Ministry (a) To orovide a broad-based, accessible and relevant '-' eOucarion for all leamers from pre-primary to senior secondaDl school through the provision of an aPprropnate t"urnirgioriron-"1t, lurricula and suitably qualified teachers. ftr'l To raoidlv enhanc€ tbe comprehension' computational ' ' tlinting ana bchnological skillE creativity, crilical thinking and ciics proficiencies of leamers irespective of where they live, or their social or physical circumsraoces' (c) To imDrove on aDd expatrd the teaching oflocal and foreign ' ' tang,rages, science. ticbnolory. engineering' agriculhre and madlematics. (O To significa ly improve $e qualiry ofand acc€ss to non- ' ' formit, informal and lifelong education by incr€asing opportunities for the acquisition of literacy' numeracy' w'ork-oriented' markJtabte and entrepreneurial competencies to render the learners highly competitive' (e) To provide equity in educatio[ through a policy of non- ' - discrimination in all goverrunent and government-assisted schools (0 To ensure maximum quality curicula, environmental shndards atrd policies regardless of where tle school is to be located or $'hether it is private or publ ic' To enhance innovation and t€chnplog-v application in baching aDd leaming. To remove atl barriers to tie education ofall chil&en ald especial ly girls, and leamen liv ing * ith di sabil ities' so that thly will be able to realise their tull potentials' (e) (h) No, The Basic and Senior Secondary Educarior Act, 2023 71 $ To encourage children to use the education they receive for the benefit of therDselves, their commuriities and the nation at large. $ To develop in children a spirit of patriotisro, national harmony and civic respoosibilities. (k) To cultivate in children pertine skiils, attitudes, and values th4t ryill enable them to become effectiye, responsible and good citizens. (D To support childrcn to develop appropriate social maoners and effecti\€ commudcation skills for peaceful co-existeme as well as critical and creative thinking ability for problem solving. 5, Rigb&ba-sededucation (a) It is the right ofevery Sierra Leoucan child to receive basic atrd senior secondary education. O) Basic and senior secondary education shall be equitably spread across the country to give all children the opporh$iry to access schooling. (c) The age ofen y into pre-primary and primary school shall be 3 and 6 years, respectivery-. Compulsory educatiotr begins at age 5 with one year required pre-primary education. (d) The education committee oftle local comcil for the area in u,hich the child lives may graDt a child an exemption ftom compulsory altendance if, in the comrnittee's opinion, it is in the best interest of the pupil. (e) A paren! including a guardian, \lho rcglects to send their child/ward to school for basic education commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fit'e not exceeding tri00 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to botb such fine and imprisonment. No. The Basic and Setior Secondd'y Educatton '4cl 2023 n (Q The local council may require the defaulting pareDt or guardian to Perform co mudty service for a specified period in lieu ofthe lure or imprisonment' Free Quality School Education (IQSE) is a goYemment progr?imme. Its purpose is to increase nationwide access L quatltv pre-primar-v, primary, and secordary school, nonformal eaucation as vell as school-level techDical and vocational education and training. (h) Pre-primary, primary and secondary education is &ee for all Sierra konean children under the FQSE from age 5 years and above. (D The MiDistry in partnership u'ith local councils and humanitarian agencies, shall organise school feeding programrnes for certain categories of children across the countr_v. $ Where appropriate, the Ministr-v in consultation with the West Afican Examinations Council or any other such examining bodywill determine national examination fees to be paid by pupils. Where appropriate, the Ministr-v in consultationwith other entities will provide a safe form oftrznsportation for pupils to access school- 0) (k) \lhere appropriate, the Ministry in partnenhip with other government and non-goverffnental organisations will provide core textbooks and other teaching ard learning materials to public schools. Non-publ ic schools may beneft &om such iDterventions- 6. Responsibilities ofschool heads, parents/guardians and pupils A school head who deliberatety th$'arts the objectives of the Ministry, sball be liable to such disciplinar)' action as (b) tr_o TIE Basic on,l Se ior Secondary EdtEation ,4c1, 2023 t1 rnay tre determined by the lv{inister in consultation r'r'idl the relevant local cruncil and t]re Sierra Leone Teacbing Service Commission . Such disciplinary- action may include dismissal. (c) The books and other resourees provided by the govemnent and partners are not for sale and any person or g oup ofpersons caught selling these materials commils a criminal offence and shall be prosecuted' (d) ft is the responsibility ofPaients and guardians to ensure that their childrenlwards make the utnost use of the t'aai I ities/resources provided to enhance effective learning. (e) Al! pupils shall emure that tley take the greatest care of the learning materials provided by the govemment and partrerJ- .Ary pupil who wilfully misuses such malerials slrall be required to pay for sarne. 1fl A chiid in t}e basic education sector (i-e. the govemrnentmandated one year of pre-primary school, six .vears of prima,l' school, artd tlree years ofjumior secondary- school) s !':c persistentl.v fails to atend school shall be lreabd as a delinquent in need of carc and would be referred to the tEl.\'a institution or agency for guidance aad counselling. ,T4 No The Bdsk dtul Senior Secondal Liucation Act 2023 The puryose ofihisAct is to reshucture afld reform t]e Ba-sic and Senior Secondary Education system 10 make it &ee, accessible' compulsory relevanl all-inclusive and rights-base4 to improYe the govema[ce structur€ of the school s5'stern and to provide for other related matters. PART IV - speaks to providing every school-going child the opportunitv to access school regardless ofhis circumstances and also delineates the imPodance ofearly childhood education- TheAct is divided into lEParts- PART I- pmvides for the interpretation ofcertain terms and expressions in the Act' PART II - deals with the control and suPervision ofeducation, the powers ofthe Minister and the core respoffibilities of the Ministry. PART III - describes the composition and fimctions of the Mfuisfty's National Board of Education. MEMORANDTJ]VI OFOBJECTS.{ND RE,{SONS PARI V - considers the structure and purpose of basic and senior secondary education in Sierra Leone- PARI Vl - explains the system of govemance in the schools and the roles oftbeir various oversight bodies. PARMI - establishes the criteria for opening and running a private school, and the penalties for non-compliance with the rules and regulations. PARI VIII - examines the role oflocal cormcils in the provision ofbasic education' P.ART IX - highligha the key eleme.nts that eonstitute a child-fi:iendly school environmeat and the consequences ofgrave misconduct by a pupil or a teacher' PART x - examines the place ofquali$'control in enhancing the school system and discusses some ofthe strategiss for effective quality contol, including moniloring and supervision, assessments and curriculum development and review' \o Thc Basa aad Senior Secohdary Educatioi Act, ?43 't5 PARI )O - provides for the mide ofinstruction in schools' PARI )(II - mates provrsion for school libraries' tlq.RT xIU - deals with ftaud and comrption in &e school sy$em and oudines some concrete steps to culb comryt practices in the schools' PART )(IV - rmdencores the Ministry's commiEnentto Bender equity ad to making the workplacr liveable for all employees. PART XV - addresses practical mesures the Ministry can take during emergencies or infectious disease outbreaks to ensure that pupils continue to access leaming despite ttre mishap. PARTXVl.describestherelevarrceofaccuratedatacollectionandanalysisinthe education system. PART XVII - outlines the role and imPortance of the Education Youtb Advisory Grorp. PART XVIII - examines the significance ofparnerships in gomoting tlre work of the Minisn-Ii- Schedule. Made ttris da1 of _2023 DAVID I}IOININA SENGf,H lvlinister o1 Basic and Senior SecondaDi Educarion' FREETOWN, SIERRALEONE. Pt[.rrED.ND PL-.BLLSSED 8t a]rE Got'EiNlc]ar PRE.-rNG DEr'^Irrr,{!!*'1, SrE$r'A G,perrt Ltrnao*ott'ttx/ No. 19 or l2r}l A}RrL 2023